Orthopedics:Conditions & Treatments

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a compression injury to the ulnar nerve near the elbow. This is also the same nerve you hit when you ‘hit your funny bone.’ The cubital tunnel can be compressed by muscles, tendons or bone, or when the ulnar nerve shifts or is stretched abnormally. Flexing the elbow or leaning on the elbow for long periods of time can cause this condition. A patient may experience numbness, or pain in the hand usually in the ring and pinky finger and pain on the inner side of the elbow.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome includes:

Resting the elbow and modifying activity

Wearing a splint to immobilize the elbow

Wearing an elbow pad to cushion the nerve

Anti-inflammatory medications

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the nerve. The procedure used to treat cubital tunnel syndrome is called Cubital Tunnel Release. The hand and upper extremity doctors at Emory will discuss the best treatment option for your elbow.

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